Kenyan Football Academies Development, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Kenyan Football Academies: Development, Challenges, and Future Prospects

This episode discusses the growth and importance of football academies in Kenya, highlighting their role in nurturing young talent and providing pathways to professional football. They emphasize how these academies, such as Legacy Football Academy and Ligi Ndogo Soccer Academy, offer structured training, character development, competitive exposure, and career opportunities, often reaching out to underserved communities. It points to the success of Kenyan footballers who emerged from these academies and stress the need for sustained investment in youth and grassroots football to elevate the national team's performance on the international stage. The FIFA Football for Schools program is also presented as a key initiative aimed at equipping young Kenyan players with proper training and life skills from an early age.

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the deep dive. Today we're embarking on a
journey that I think really captures the spirit of dreams
taking flight Picture this if you will.
Young people all across Kenya may be skillfully maneuvering a
football in, you know, a dusty feel, their eyes just gleaming
with passion. Now imagine that raw talent
being refined, nurtured within astructured professional

(00:22):
environment, a place where thosedreams don't just flicker, but
they ignite into something really powerful.
That's the world we're exploringtoday.
The incredible, often well, maybe unsung impact of football
academies in Kenya. And this isn't just about sport.
It's about profound life transformation it.
Absolutely. Is.
You know, these institutions, they stand as really vital

(00:42):
pillars for the nation's football future.
They effectively bridge what is often a critical gap, taking
that raw, undeniable talent and molding it, shaping it into
tangible professional opportunities.
It's a story that, like you said, goes far beyond the game
itself. It's really about shaping
futures. Right.
So our mission for this deep dive for you listening is to
uncover the truly remarkable dual role these academies play.

(01:04):
They're developing not just, youknow, exceptional football
skills, but also building character, forging genuine
career pathways. We'll spotlight some really
inspiring success stories and, crucially, explore what it
actually takes to cultivate the sustainable football future for
Kenya. It's a compelling narrative, I
think, one that reveals so much about human potential, about

(01:27):
community building, Definitely. So OK, let's unpack this a bit.
When we talk about football academies in Kenya, what makes
them so much more than just whatplaces to kick a ball around?
What's the core, the fundamentalvalue they offer young people,
especially given, you know, the socio economic challenges many
might be facing? It's it's fascinating how these
academies operate. They're truly multifaceted

(01:48):
centers, almost like holistic development hubs disguised as
sports facilities. You can see what it was They are
far more than just training grounds.
They are profoundly shaping young individuals
comprehensively. Consider what they offer that
really extends beyond the pitch.First, there's the sheer quality
of the professional training. This isn't merely about showing

(02:08):
up for a few drills now and then.
We're talking about expert coaching delivered by certified
professionals using facilities that honestly, for many of these
young talents, would otherwise be completely inaccessible.
This level of structured, high quality training, it's a game
changer for their technical development.
So it's about taking that raw talent and refining it with real

(02:29):
precision, giving them a professional edge that, say,
street football or informal playjust can't provide.
Precisely exactly that. And then beyond just the
technical skills, the emphasis they place on character
development is huge. It's immense.
These academies actively instillcrucial life skills, things like
discipline, teamwork, leadership.
And these aren't just abstract concepts they talk about.

(02:52):
They're practiced daily through the training sessions, through
competition, sometimes even through communal living
arrangements. Imagine a young person learning
the importance of, say, punctuality, pushing through
fatigue when they're tired, communicating effectively with
teammates under pressure, respecting authority figures
like coaches. Yeah, those are skills for life,

(03:13):
not just for football. Absolutely.
They're transferable skills thatserve them in any aspect of life
long after their playing days might be over.
Then there's the competitive exposure.
This is another critical piece. These institutions provide
really unparalleled opportunities to participate in
national and significantly, international tournaments.
OK, international exposure too, that must be huge.

(03:34):
It's vital vital for growth, fortesting their skills against
diverse styles of play, different levels of competition,
and crucially, for catching the eye of scouts.
Without these organized platforms, honestly, many
talented players would simply remain unseen, their potential
just unfulfilled. And I guess with that high level
competitive exposure, it seems almost inevitable that these

(03:55):
academies would start opening doors, right?
How exactly do they translate that exposure into, you know,
concrete career pathways for these athletes?
That's a really crucial point because ultimately these
academies, they create tangible pathways, pathways to
professional leagues both domestically within Kenya and
internationally. We're talking about global
football clubs scouting these players.

(04:17):
For many, especially those coming from disadvantaged
backgrounds, this offers a genuine life altering route out
of poverty. It's a career path that can
quite literally change the entire trajectory of their life,
their family's life, offering a level of social mobility that
might otherwise seem completely impossible.
So OK, let's paint a picture. What does this all mean for a

(04:38):
young talent from maybe the bustling streets of 1 of
Nairobi's informal settlements like Kibera or Mather?
How do these academies act as these powerful beacons of hope
and can often be incredibly challenging circumstances?
Yeah, this raises a really important question about their
broader societal impact, doesn'tit?
Football in Kenya, it's genuinely more than just a game.

(05:00):
It's a powerful, unifying force.It transcends ethnic lines,
cultural differences, socioeconomic boundaries.
For so many young people, it acts as a lifeline.
A lifeline, yeah, offering a concrete way out of difficult
circumstances where, let's be honest, poverty, a lack of
quality education, limited opportunities.
These things can easily extinguish a young person's

(05:22):
hope. And these academies, they step
right into that void. They serve a dual purpose,
providing not only the necessaryfootball training but also
placing a really strong emphasison education.
It's interesting. So it's not just football,
football, football. Not at all.
And many of them, interestingly,are founded and run by former
professional players. Oh, really?
Yeah, individuals who intimatelyunderstand the struggles faced

(05:44):
by young talents in impoverishedareas because, well, they've
walked that same path themselves.
That lived experience, it creates an authentic connection.
It builds trust in a way that maybe more formal institutions
might struggle to replicate. That deep understanding, you
know, born from shared experience, that must make a
massive difference in how they mentor and connect with these

(06:05):
kids. It makes all the difference, it
really does. Beyond just kicking a ball.
They focus on comprehensive skills development, honing
technical ability, sure, but also tactical knowledge, even
psychological endurance, building mental toughness from a
very young age. It's about creating a complete
player, not just someone who's fast or strong, right?
The whole package. Exactly.

(06:26):
And what's equally critical, andsometimes overlooked, is their
strong emphasis on education. Many academies prioritize
academic studies right alongsidethe sports training.
They recognize that a football career, while potentially
transformative, can also be veryuncertain.
Yeah, injuries happen form dips.Exactly.
Injuries can occur, the competition is incredibly

(06:46):
fierce, and frankly, not everyone makes it to the very
top professional level. So this dual approach, it
ensures a backup plan. It provides these young talents
with the skills and qualifications to excel off the
field too, whether that's in further education or pursuing
another career path entirely. It's an incredibly pragmatic
approach, safeguarding their future.

(07:08):
That's incredibly forward thinking, isn't it?
Ensuring these kids aren't putting all their eggs in one
basket. It speaks volumes about a deep
sense of responsibility. It really does, and it extends
even further with robust mentorship programs beyond the
football pitch. These academies guide personal
development, health awareness, character building.
They empower young talents to make responsible choices, not

(07:29):
just tactically in a game, but in their daily lives.
In many cases, they become almost like surrogate families.
Vital support systems helping these young people navigate the
complexities of growing up, especially in challenging urban
environments. This truly holistic approach is
what transforms them into those beacons of hope we talked about,
offering not just a distant dream, but a practical,

(07:50):
supported pathway to a better life.
This is where it gets particularly compelling, I
think, because it's one thing todiscuss the benefits in theory,
right? But it's another to actually
witness the tangible results, tosee these dreams materialize
into real world success. Who are some of these remarkable
success stories, these shining stars who emerged, and which
specific academies were instrumental in their journeys?

(08:12):
Oh, we have a truly impressive roster of players.
Players who have genuinely risenfrom very humble beginnings to
become international stars, representing Kenya on the global
stage. Their journeys are such powerful
examples of what raw talent, combined with dedication and the
right opportunities, the kind these academies provide, can
actually achieve. Let's let's start with the

(08:34):
really potent striker Michael Oolunga.
Oolunga. Yeah, huge name.
Huge name. He's notably playing
professional football currently in Qatar, doing very well, and
his journey was significantly shaped by the Liberty Sports
Academy in Nairobi. This Academy is quite active,
consistently nurturing. I think the figure is over 25
youngsters training multiple times a week at City Stadium.

(08:55):
And Liberty has also produced other significant talents.
Names like Nicholas Major and Charles Bruno have come through
their system. OK.
So liberty was key for a longer Who else has made that kind of
major global impact emerging from a Kenyan Academy?
Well, next we have two names that truly stand out, and they
happen to be brothers Victor Wanyama and McDonald Moriga.
Right, the Wanyama and Moriga brothers legends.

(09:16):
Absolutely. Both went on to play in top
flight European leagues. Wanyama in particular became a
household name for many footballfans globally, especially during
his time in the English Premier League with Southampton and
Tottenham Hotspur. Both of them were products of
JMJ Academy, which is based in Nairobi West.
JMJ Academy, OK. And JMJ hasn't just stopped

(09:37):
there, they've also nurtured other talents like Ayub Timbay,
a forward who's played in the China League One, Johanna Omolo,
who plays I believe for Royal Antwerp in Belgium currently,
and Edwin Otino Uluwash, who played for a Belgian third
division Seaside. So it's clear JMJ has this
consistent nag for developing players who can thrive

(09:57):
internationally. That's quite a list from just
one Academy, JMJ. Are there other academies with
similarly impressive records of producing top tier talent both
for Kenya and abroad? Definitely another Academy with
an enviable record is Liji and Dogo Soccer Academy.
They were established back in 2002 and they've really made a
name for themselves in Nairobi over the.
Years. Luigi and Dogo.
Yeah, I've heard of them. They're notable graduates are

(10:19):
quite something. It includes a Swedish
international, John Giudetti. Guidetti really from Legion
Dogo. Yes, Guidetti spent time there.
Also Liberian former international Alex Carmo and
then a host of Kenyan internationals Ayub Masika,
Humphrey Miano, Edwin Lovanza and Jesse Ware.
That's a powerful blend isn't it?

(10:40):
Both local stars and international success
demonstrating their wide reach in quality.
That's incredible, Cadetti. Wow.
OK, who else? Then there's FISA Soccer Academy
that stands for a Friendship International Sports Academy.
Founded in 2006. This Academy has a particularly
powerful story, I think, becauseit draws children and teenagers
from some really challenging neighborhoods, like the Mukuru

(11:01):
informal settlement in South BayArea.
Right. Making a difference right in the
community. Exactly.
And their graduates show the impact.
We're talking Paul Ware who plays for Kalamata FC in Greece,
Kevin Omondi who plays for Kenyan giants Gore Mejia and
also Morocco Swallows in South Africa, Musa Mohammed, another
Gore Mejia stalwart, and Victor Shinga from Thika United.

(11:21):
It just highlights the profound impact these academies have
feeding talent into both the local leagues and under the
international stage. And I seem to remember there was
an Academy born out of a particularly difficult time for
Kenya, wasn't there? Almost like a response to a
societal need. That's absolutely right.
You're thinking of the National Youth's Talent Academy, or NYTA.
It was inspired, tragically, by the devastating 2008 post

(11:45):
election violence. It was formed specifically with
the aim of tapping into raw talents that were unfortunately
being mismanaged, overlooked, ormaybe even caught up in the
unrest. A really positive initiative
from a dark time. Indeed, and their alumni show
its success. Names like Mosa Bashir, who
plays in China, Abdul Malik playing in Sweden, Andrew
Murunga, a well known Tusker player, and Deshawn La Bembe who

(12:08):
plays for Kakamega Homeboys. What all these individual
journeys reveal, you see, isn't just a series of lucky breaks.
It points towards a repeatable formula.
When that raw talent meets structured, consistent
development within these academies, A pathway emerges
where perhaps none existed before.
And it fundamentally alters the life trajectories for these
young people, their families, their communities.

(12:30):
These aren't just isolated anecdotes, they are compelling
evidence of what consistent structured development can
achieve. Real proof of concept for the
Academy model. That's an incredible roster of
players and the academies that really propelled them forward.
It truly shows the transformative power these
institutions hold. OK, let's drill down even

(12:51):
further. Now let's look closer at some of
these top institutions and what specifically makes them stand
out from the crowd. What are their unique approaches
or particular strengths? Yeah, and what's truly
fascinating here as we dig deeper is the diversity in their
approaches. Even though they all share that
common vital goal of nurturing talent, each one seems to have
developed its own niche, its ownstrengths and programs to

(13:12):
achieve this. Let's take Legion Dogo Soccer
Academy again, for instance. OK, Legion.
Founded back in 2002, it's one of the most renowned, most
established football academies in Nairobi.
What makes it stand out, I'd say, is it's highly structured
programs. They cater to a really wide age
range, from kids as young as 4 all the way up to 18.

(13:33):
That's quite a span. Four years old.
Wow, starting them young. Exactly, they boast well
equipped facilities which is obviously crucial, and an
experienced coaching staff. Consistency in coaching is key,
but perhaps their biggest draw, especially for ambitious
players, is the consistent exposure they offer to
international tournaments. We're talking actual tours in
Europe. Taking the kids to Europe,

(13:55):
that's major. It is that kind of hands on
experience against global competition is just invaluable
for player growth, development and of course scouting
opportunities. Their training programs are
varied too. They have weekend sessions for
beginners, more advanced coaching for competitive players
and very popular holiday football camps.
So it sounds like they offer a complete pathway right from

(14:15):
early childhood introduction right up to serious competitive
play with a definite international outlook.
What about MYSA, the Mathura youth sports association?
I understand their philosophy ismaybe a bit different, perhaps
broader, more deeply rooted in the community itself.
They absolutely do have a distinct philosophy.
Mysa is highly regarded in Kenya, no doubt, but its unique

(14:38):
features truly lie in its integrated approach.
They use sports, specifically football, as a tool for
community development. OK, so sport for development?
Precisely, they place a very strong emphasis on education and
life skills development alongside the football.
It's not just about producing the next football star, it's
about building well-rounded individuals who can contribute

(14:59):
positively back to their communities in Mathura and
beyond. They really recognize the
broader societal impact of theirwork.
How does that translate into their programs?
Well, their programs include this standard weekly training
sessions of course, but also comprehensive life skills
workshops. These workshops address specific
challenges faced by youth in underserved communities, things
like health, decision making, leadership.

(15:21):
They also offer academic scholarships for outstanding
performers, which really reinforces that commitment to
holistic development, not just athletic prowess and their youth
teams. They compete nationally and
internationally and MYSA actively creates opportunities
for their players to join globalclubs through scouting events
and partnerships. It's a truly holistic, community

(15:42):
focused model. That sounds incredibly
impactful, addressing so much more than just athletic
potential. OK, what about an Academy known
for really intensive, focused training?
Maybe for those players who are already showing significant
promise and need that extra push.
For that kind of intensive training, Star Soccer Academy in
Nairobi often comes up. They are particularly renowned

(16:02):
for offering very rigorous programs.
These programs encompass not just technical ability, the
drilling, shooting, passing, butalso deep tactical knowledge,
understanding game situations, and crucial psychological
endurance. The mental side of the game.
Exactly, aspects often overlooked but absolutely vital
for a high level play. So if you're considering Star

(16:25):
Soccer Academy, you'll find a highly skilled coaching team,
state-of-the-art training grounds, good facilities matter
and importantly, strong links with Kenyan Premier League
clubs. So a clear pathway into the
local pro league. Very clear direct pathway to
professional domestic play. Yes.
Their key programs include comprehensive youth development
initiatives, individual skill enhancement sessions for

(16:45):
targeted improvement, me workingon a specific weakness, and
specialized school holiday campsand tournaments designed to
challenge their players. OK, intensive and connected to
the KPL. Now, what about academies that
have a really consistent track record of moving players
directly into professional leagues, maybe both locally and
internationally? That description fits to Lana FC

(17:07):
Academy quite well. They have a proven track record.
You look at their alumni of producing players who advance
directly into professional football leagues, both in Kenya
and sometimes further afield. They offer specialized training
specifically aimed at nurturing future stars, often with an eye
toward that immediate professional integration once
they're ready. What are their highlights?
What makes them attractive? Notable highlights of Talana FC

(17:29):
Academy include access to top notch coaching obviously, but
also strong scouting programs which are vital for career
progression and importantly regular participation in Kenya's
official football leagues. This ensures consistent high
level competitive play which helps players develop under
pressure and get noticed. Their programs and services

(17:50):
cover age specific football training, robust talent
identification systems, mentorship programs, and crucial
academic and career counseling to help guide players toward
their next steps, whether it's apro contract or further
education. Right guiding the whole journey
and finally for those young players may be dreaming of
joining a well established clubsyouth setup, perhaps one with a

(18:11):
very clear progression route into a senior team.
For that kind of ambition, you definitely look at the AFC
Leopards Youth Academy. They are directly affiliated
with AFC Leopards, which is, as you know, one of the largest and
most historic football teams in Kenya.
That affiliation alone is a significant draw.
Absolutely, playing for ING Wei is a dream for many.
Exactly. Their core mission is pretty

(18:32):
straightforward, nurturing youthful players and setting
them up to play professional football.
Ideally for AFC Leopard senior team, once they leave school,
it's highly worth considering precisely because of that direct
affiliation with a top Kenyan Premier League team.
It offers a very clear potentialpathway into the senior squad.

(18:53):
They also boast an experienced coaching team steeped in the
club's culture and with a winning track record.
And crucially, the players get consistent competitive matches
throughout the football season, mirroring the demands and rhythm
of professional play. What kind of programs do they
run? The programs include intensive
football camps, regular weekly coaching sessions and as
mentioned, consistent access, competitive matches and

(19:14):
tournaments. Now our material also mentioned
Kakamega High School Football Academy as being a top Academy
known for producing talent. Right, the green commandos.
Exactly, though we don't have specific details right here on
their current programs. But even without those
specifics, it's clear, isn't it?Each of these leading academies
bring something unique to the table.
But that common thread, as you highlighted earlier, is that

(19:36):
comprehensive, multifaceted approach to player development.
It's not just about drills, it'sabout the whole person.
Moving from these established names, and they're frankly
amazing track records over the years, let's talk about some
very recent triumphs because there's been significant buzz
lately surrounding Legacy Football Academy.
What have they been up to on theglobal stage specifically?

(19:59):
What's generating this excitement?
Yeah, Legacy. What's truly compelling here and
really exciting for Kenyan football is how Legacy Football
Academy has recently stamped Kenny's name onto the global
youth football map in a profoundly significant way.
They just recorded an absolutelystellar performance at the
Gothia Cup 2025. The Gothia Cup Now remind us,

(20:20):
what is the Gothia Cup? OK, so the Gothia Cup held in
Gothenburg, Sweden, is widely regarded as the World Youth Cup.
It's not an exaggeration. For context, it is the world's
largest and arguably most prestigious international youth
football tournament it brings together.
I mean, the numbers are staggering.
Nearly 2000 teams from around 74countries. 2000 teams.

(20:42):
Almost, yeah. The 2025 edition alone saw over
4900 matches played across 119 different fields in Gothenburg.
It's just an immense platform for talent discovery, for teams
to test themselves, and for invaluable cultural exchange
among young people from all overthe world.
That is a truly massive scale for a youth tournament.

(21:02):
Cool. So how did Legacy Academy
actually perform in such a fiercely competitive
environment? Their performance was nothing
short of outstanding. Let's start with their under 11
boys team. They were absolute champions.
Champions. Wow.
Yes finished the entire tournament completely undefeated
and were ranked number one overall out of 74 teams
competing in their category. They achieved some incredibly
dominant victories throughout their campaign, including get

(21:25):
this a remarkable 17 to re win against FC Darren from Mongolia.
17 nil. 17 nil. It just showcases incredible
goal scoring prowess across the team.
Key players like Elijah Lusa whoscored multiple goals across
matches, Zeke Ninjenga, Shafana Andiaki, Lashawn Karaoke,
Nicholas Shetundu, Aiden Gar, Amita Herkberg, Gerald Muriuki,

(21:45):
Jameel Odiwar, Jackson Attende, they were all consistently
finding the back of the net. It demonstrated both individual
skill and really powerful teamwork.
This wasn't just winning, it wasa clear display of dominance on
a world stage. Wow, an undefeated run to win
the whole thing, including A170 score line.
That's phenomenal at any level, let alone a major international

(22:06):
youth tournament. What about their older age
groups? Did they show similar promise or
success? They certainly did.
Their Under 13 Boys team also showed remarkable resilience and
real tactical brilliance. They secure bronze medals after
an incredible run that saw them overcome some formidable
opponents along the way. Bronze medals.
Fantastic. Yeah, really strong showing they
had notable wins against strong teams like IFK Good aboard from

(22:29):
Sweden, a big name club, prep schools Lions from England and
SV Neenhagen from Germany in thegroup stages.
They continue this impressive run through the knockout stages,
beating Ass Marsa from Tunisia in the round of 16, then FC
Tetonia O 5 from Germany in the quarterfinal and even champion
at Sports from France in a semi final qualifier.
So they went deep into the tournament.

(22:50):
Very deep. Their only loss, the one that
knocked them out, was a nail biting four or five defeat on
penalties in the actual semi final to FC Stockholm
International from Sweden. It just shows how incredibly
close they came to reaching the final themself.
Their coach afterwards noted that the team scored impressive
24 goals and conceded only 7 in their eight matches.

(23:10):
And, significantly, they beat a previously undefeated team from
Sweden during the run. 24 goals in eight matches is serious
firepower. It is top scorers included in
Yambura, Michael Gonganga and Vince Frederick Vincent who
remarkably scored four goals in a single match.
Other scorers contributing were Dandonga, Cayenne, Kanye Doroja,

(23:31):
the CD Karauki, Uma, John JuniorAguanda, Gerald Otieno and
Madonna William Johnson. This level of performance from
EU Thirteens truly underscores the quality of play they brought
to the tournament. Consistent strength across age
groups. OK.
So this is clearly a very successful Academy operating at
a high level. Tell us more about legacy
academies overall model and its reach.

(23:52):
How did they consistently achieve these kinds of results
on the world stage? What's their secret sauce, so to
speak? Well, Legacy Football Academy
based right here in Nairobi describes itself as a premier
development centric Academy and they utilize a unique hybrid
model. A hybrid model?
What does that mean? It means they integrate elite
education alongside intensive football training.

(24:12):
They ensure that players developboth academically and
athletically. Hand in hand, they've
established crucial partnershipswith reputable schools.
Names like Braeburn, Paponi, Creative Integrated School and
Crease International Schools arementioned.
This emphasizes that commitment to education as a core part of
their philosophy, not an afterthought.

(24:33):
OK, combining top education withtop football.
Exactly. And what's also incredibly
significant, really admirable about their model is their
talent recruitment strategy. They actively scout and recruit
raw talent from some of Kenya's most underserved urban
settlements, places you mentioned earlier like
Korogocho, Mathar, Korio, Bongi,Kwongware, Githarai, Jericho and

(24:53):
Dagoretti. Right tapping into talent
wherever it exists. Precisely, and these players
once identified are then seamlessly integrated with their
fee paying students. Crucially, when they put on that
legacy jersey, they truly becomeone team, regardless of their
socio economic background. This approach fosters not only
top level talent development, but also powerful social

(25:14):
inclusion. It breaks down barriers.
That's a really powerful approach, isn't it?
Fostering both talent and socialinclusion side by side?
Who founded the Academy and what's their broader philosophy,
their vision? The Academy was founded by coach
Stanley Okumbi, a well known name in Kenyan football circles
and interestingly, it's become alaunching pad not just for

(25:34):
talented young players but also for top tier coaches within the
Kenyan football ecosystem. Oh, developing coaches too.
That's smart. Very smart.
Their alumni coaches include names like Mildred Chech who
made history as the first femalecoach to qualify a Kenyan team,
the U-17 women's team for a World Cup.
Also coach Suji now with Kenya Police FC.

(25:56):
Derek Ochieno at UEFA Despanil, I see Eric Musharia at the Kenya
School of Government, Mercy Onyongo was currently with Mysa
over in Norway and Naomi Sumba who's been involved as a
national team coach. This demonstrates a real
commitment to developing the entire infrastructure of
football in Kenya, building capacity from players right
through to the coaching staff. That's comprehensive.

(26:16):
What does Coach Okumbi say abouttheir philosophy?
Coach Okumbi himself articulatestheir philosophy quite clearly.
He states that participating in these major global tournaments
like the Gothia Cup tests our systems and philosophy against
the world's best. He adds that it gives our
players invaluable internationalexposure and puts Kenya firmly
on the map as a hotbed of football talent.

(26:39):
Their ultimate goal, he says, isto transform these players into
global assets and they're backing it up.
They don't just participate, they consistently bring trophies
home from prestigious tournaments across Spain,
Denmark, Dubai, Norway and the US.
It proves their models effectiveness time and again.
It really sounds like a remarkably well oiled machine
taking these young talents from local fields in Nairobi right

(27:01):
onto international stages and succeeding.
How exactly does their training structure operate day-to-day,
and how do they manage the transition for these developing
players as they inevitably grow older?
Yeah, their training structure seems very well defined and
progressive. They have clear age categories
starting incredibly young, from under 5, believe it or not, all
the way up to under 15 currently.

(27:22):
And they mentioned they are soonexpanding to include an under 17
category as well. Their youngest registered player
is just three years old. Three years old.
Yes, starting incredibly early and the kids naturally
transition through these age groups ensuring continuous age
appropriate development. The coaching is tailored to
their physical and mental stagesas they grow.

(27:43):
Now for the older players, typically those aged 15 or 17
and above, they have a clear pathway into senior football
mapped out. OK.
What does that pathway look like?
They plan to transition these emerging talents to a senior
team called Glorian. Glorian currently plays in
Division Two of the FKF FootballKenya Federation leagues.
This provides them with that crucial competitive adult

(28:04):
football experience, bridging the gap between youth and
professional levels. Additionally, and this is key
for top talents, if promising offers arise from European clubs
at early ages, say between 13 and 16, they actively facilitate
that transition. They mentioned, for example,
players currently in Spain training with a team they
referred to as Riello. This shows a really proactive

(28:26):
approach to leveraging international opportunities when
they arise for their most promising players.
That's fantastic, a clear progression plan seems to be in
place for every age and skill level within their system.
How is all this funded? It sounds expensive, especially
international travel. Is it government backed or does
it operate on a different model entirely?
Interestingly, it's primarily self sponsored.

(28:47):
The funding comes mainly from the parents of the fee paying
students within the Academy however, and this is really
critical aspect of their hybrid model.
The Academy itself also sponsorsa big number of players who come
from those underserved communities we discussed.
So the fee paying parents effectively help subsidized the
talented kids from less privileged backgrounds.

(29:08):
That seems to be the core of thehybrid model.
Yes, this commitment ensures diversity and inclusion, making
sure talent isn't missed simply because of a child socioeconomic
background. And they emphasize that when
these players travel for tournaments, they truly operate
as one team. The support of both the parents
and the Academy covers the cost for the sponsored players,

(29:29):
ensuring everyone gets the same opportunity.
That's a great model. Where did they actually train?
They're based in Nairobi and their training locations are
either at KTC school or sometimes in Kuru Forest.
Sessions are held consistently twice during the week on
Wednesdays and Fridays, typically from 500 to 630 PM
after school, and then longer sessions on the weekends

(29:50):
Saturday and Sunday from 900 to 1100AM.
This consistent, accessible schedule, combined with their
inclusive funding model truly showcases the direct impact
these well run academies can have, creating a tangible
pipeline from grassroots talent right through to global
recognition. OK, this brings us to the bigger
picture. We've seen the individual

(30:11):
success stories, the Academy models, the recent triumphs like
legacies. So what does all this mean for
Kenyan football on a national level?
If we connect all these dots, why is investing in youth and
grassroots football so absolutely critical for a
country like Kenya, especially if it harbors ambitions of
achieving significant, sustainednational success and becoming a
consistent contender on the African and world stages?

(30:32):
Yeah, this really raises the crucial question about long term
vision and strategic investment,doesn't it?
If Kenya genuinely aims to become a regular contender in
major tournaments, we're talkingthe World Cup, consistently
qualifying for and performing well at the Africa Cup of
Nations Avon, then the answer isunequivocally clear.
It must make a serious, sustained strategic investment

(30:56):
in youth and grassroots football.
It's not just a nice to have, it's essential.
It's fundamental. It's not just an option.
It's a necessity. It's the blueprint for success
that's been proven time and timeagain across the globe.
We could draw significant lessons just by looking at the
global leaders in football. Think about Europe, think about
South America. Why do they consistently produce
top tier talent and dominate World Cups?

(31:17):
Well, they have strong leagues, good infrastructure.
Yes, but fundamentally it's because they nurture football
talent from a very, very early age.
They understand implicitly that the foundation of national
footballing prowess is built from childhood up.
It's not something you just discover fully formed when
players are 18 or 19. It needs to be cultivated
systematically over years. Right.

(31:39):
Can you give us a concrete example?
A country that perhaps wasn't always dominant, but
successfully transformed its National Football fortunes
specifically through this kind of deliberate long term youth
development strategy? Absolutely, and it's a very
relevant one. England's transformation over
the last, say, decade to 15 years is a powerful case study.

(32:00):
England. OK, How so?
Well think back. After their so-called golden
generation of players, Lampard, Gerard, Rooney etcetera peaked,
England went through a noticeable decline in their
national teams performance in major tournaments.
They were finishing bottom of World Cup groups, getting
knocked out relatively early sometimes by teams they were
expected to beat. There was a stark realization

(32:22):
that something was fundamentallywrong with their development
pathway. I remember that period, a lot of
soul searching. A lot of soul searching.
This prompted the then FA chairman Greg Dyke to set up a
Commission around the late 2000s.
Early 20 tens. He initiated what was really a
radical shift in priorities. He prioritizes serious
structural commitment to grassroots and Academy

(32:42):
development across the entire country.
His plan wasn't just about funding.
It included ensuring clear opportunities for these young
Academy players to actually playfirst team football, not just
sit on the bench, and establishing a more unified,
identifiable national team playing philosophy, starting
from the youth levels up. The England DNA, they called it.
So a top down systemic change. Exactly.

(33:04):
Dyke even set some pretty ambitious public targets like
reaching the semi finals of EUR 2020 which they exceeded, and
winning the World Cup in 2022 which they didn't quite manage
but perform strongly. But crucially, there was an
interim goal of achieving strongperformances in Youth World Cups
U17U20 level. And did this significant
investment and strategic shift at the youth level actually

(33:24):
translate into senior team success?
What were the tangible results we can point to?
It absolutely did. Massively.
This concerted effort, which included significant shifts in
funding towards youth development, implementing a
national curriculum for footballskills, reforming coaching
education standards. It led to astonishing youth
international success for England.
They won both the Under 17 and the Under 20 World Cups in the

(33:47):
same year, 2017, both World Cups, both in 2017.
They also won the UEFA Under 19 Championships in 2022 and very
recently the Under 21 European Championship.
This sustained success at youth level is now widely recognized
as a continuation of a successful recent trend, and
crucially, it is directly translated into a much stronger,

(34:08):
deeper and more technically proficient senior squad.
You can really see it in the players coming through now.
Yeah, you absolutely can. When you look at players who are
now mainstays of the senior England team, talents like Phil
Foden, Jayden Sancho, Jude Bellingham, Buckeye Osaka, Mark
Wahey, Connor Gallagher and NeilSmith Row, they are all direct
products of this enhanced youth development pipeline that

(34:31):
started over a decade ago. Their success at the youth
level, winning those trophies, has directly fed into creating a
genuinely competitive senior national team that consistently
performs at the highest international level.
Now. It's a clear demonstration of
cause and effect. That is a stark, stark contrast,
isn't it, to Kenya's national team, the Harambee Stars, which

(34:51):
unfortunately hasn't had anything close to that kind of
consistent success on the international stage.
It is a stark contrast preciselyKenya's Harambee Stars.
The senior men's team has only qualified for the Africa Cup of
Nations six times in its entire history and regrettably they've
never progressed past the group stages in any of those
appearances and as we know they have to date, never qualified

(35:13):
for the FIFA world. Cup never for the World Cup.
Never. And when we drill down and look
specifically youth tournaments, the picture becomes even clearer
about the historical challenges in foundational development.
Kenya has never, not once, takenan Under 17 side to the CKF
Under 17 tournament since that competition began way back in
1985. Never in almost 40 years.

(35:35):
That's shocking. It is quite shocking when you
think about it. 40 years of missed opportunities for
development and exposure at thatcritical age group.
For the Under 20 tournament, therecord is slightly better but
not much. Kenya participated only once,
right back in its inaugural year1979, and they were later
disqualified from the 2015 tournament due to administrative
issues fielding overage players,which points to other systemic

(35:59):
problems. Their best Under 23 achievement
was reaching the second round ofqualifiers back in 2019.
This historical record sadly illustrates a clear long
standing lack of structured early development at the
National Federation level which inevitably impacts the pipeline
of talent flowing through to thesenior squad.
And what do the coaches themselves say about this?
The people working directly withthe players day in, day out, are

(36:22):
they seeing the impact of this lack of foundational development
on the players they work with atthe National?
Level they are, and their concerns are often quite candid,
quite blunt. Francis Comanzi, A respected
coach who formerly handled the Under 23 national team, for
instance, has publicly emphasized the critical
importance of keeping talented youth squads together for longer

(36:43):
periods, giving them more international exposure through
friendly matches and tournaments.
He lamented the frequent, almostroutine disbandment of these
promising youth teams after justone qualifying campaign.
He argued that if these groups could stay together, train
together, grow together, they would inevitably play better and
achieve more significant resultsover time.
Yeah, continuity seems key. Absolutely, and even the current

(37:06):
Harambee Stars head coach EngineFerrat has openly decried what
he sees as a lack of youth setups and consistent nationwide
scouting in Kenya. He states quite frankly that
many talented players emerge almost through luck and pure
talent that God has gifted them,rather than through a
deliberate, structured system designed to find and nurture
them. Luck and raw talent isn't a

(37:27):
sustainable strategy. Not at all.
He notes significant tactical and physical deficiencies in
players who haven't had that benefit of early structure
development, he says. Quite powerfully, nothing is put
inside. He contrasted with other
countries where he's worked, saying he usually has a clear
overview of all potential talentfrom age 16 upwards.

(37:48):
In Kenya. He finds it confusing, lamenting
that a player of Messy's calibercould potentially be born there,
and due to the lack of infrastructure and scouting, no
one would find him. He emphasizes the wall.
The raw talent undeniably exists.
It desperately needs to be nurtured systematically and
much, much earlier. That's a really powerful
statement from the national coach.
That incredible talent might just be falling through the

(38:09):
cracks completely. What about individual player
stories? Are there examples that
highlight this missed opportunity for early
development, even among players who eventually became
successful? Yes, and it's quite telling.
A great example often cited is Daniel Sicari.
He's currently a top right back for Kenya's national team, a key
player, but he only started playing football seriously when

(38:31):
he got to university. University, not as a kid.
No, before that in high school he was primarily a rugby player.
That was his main sport. One can only imagine, can't you,
what kind of player Sakari couldhave become if his obvious
footballing talent had been discovered and nurtured
systematically from a much younger age, say between 6 and
10 years old, during a critical window when learning and skill

(38:54):
acquisition are most effective. He's a great player now, but
perhaps he could have been even better with that earlier
foundation. That brings us squarely to the
science behind early development, doesn't it?
Why is that formative period, those childhood years, so
absolutely crucial for developing skills in sports and
really for acquiring any complexskill?

(39:15):
Exactly. The science is quite clear on
this research and cognitive development in neuroscience.
It all suggests that the human brain absorbs new things most
readily, most effectively between the ages of about 1 and
10. Why?
Because it doesn't overthink things.
Yet it's incredibly pliable, incredibly open to new
information, patterns, movements.
It has a remarkable capacity forlearning complex motor skills

(39:37):
and practical understanding almost intuitively.
So it's like the brain is a sponge then?
Very much so. From birthright through to about
age 5, brain development is absolutely paramount.
It profoundly shapes the child'sability to learn and succeed
later in school and in life. The quality of a child's
experiences in these first few years, whether they are
positive, stimulating or negative and deprived,

(40:00):
profoundly help shape how the brain develops, how those
crucial neural pathways are formed.
This is precisely why the core footballing nations, the ones
consistently producing top talent, take kids into academies
and structured training environments from early
childhood 678 years old. And you contrasted that with
rugby earlier? Yeah, think about rugby players
in core nations like CG or New Zealand.

(40:22):
They often start structured rugby training at six years old.
Compare that to many Kenyan players like Sakari, who often
only begin structured football training in high school or even
university. They've missed that critical
window for laying down the foundational skills, the
tactical understanding, the ingrained movement patterns,
that neural pathway development,which becomes so much harder,

(40:43):
though not impossible, to build effectively later on.
You're playing catch up. OK.
So if that's the diagnosis of the problem, a significant
amount of untapped potential dueto a historical lack of early
structured systematic development, what's the way
forward for Kenya? How can the country
realistically bridge this gap and start cultivating that kind

(41:04):
of sustainable national success we've been discussing?
It definitely requires A collective concerted effort.
There's no single magic bullet and crucially, it needs a clear
long term vision that everyone buys into the Federation, the
government, clubs, Academy, schools, parents.
Firstly, there needs to be significant sustained investment

(41:24):
in facilities, proper pitches, training equipment, accessible
spaces for kids to play safely. Facilities are.
Absolutely. The joint bid by Kenya, Tanzania
and Uganda to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could
potentially serve as a crucial catalyst here.
If managed correctly, the investment required for hosting
could be leveraged to upgrade existing grounds and provide
more dedicated youth facilities across the country, creating a

(41:46):
lasting legacy that benefits grassroots football long after
the tournament itself is over. Using a major event to build
lasting infrastructure makes sense.
What else? Secondly, educational
integration is absolutely key. Kenya's new competency based
curriculum, the CBC, places a much stronger emphasis on
integrating sports and talent development as a core subject

(42:08):
within the school system. This creates A phenomenal
opportunity. Well, it allows for formally
introducing structured football development at a systemic
national level right within schools, making it an integral
part of the educational fabric for every child, rather than
just an optional extracurricularadd on for a select few.
Imagine basic football skills and understanding being taught

(42:31):
as part of the curriculum from primary school onwards.
That sounds like a powerful way to embed it broadly right across
the national system. But development as we know takes
time, doesn't it? What about the need for patients
a long term vision for these initiatives to actually bear
fruit? You've hit on a critical point.
Patience is paramount. Veteran tactician Tuahir
Muhidden, who's currently overseeing a youth program down

(42:53):
at Bendari FC in Mombasa, stresses this exact point.
He says that youth development is inherently a process, not an
event. He cautions everyone, fans,
administrators, sconcers, that it takes up to five years for
people to see something solid emerge from a well run youth
program. Five years minimum, he reckons.

(43:13):
At least. But he firmly promises dividends
if they stick with it, if they remain patient and consistent.
It's about planting seeds and patiently nurturing them,
providing the right conditions over time rather than constantly
digging them up, expecting instant results or relying on
quick fixes. This patient, strategic, long
term approach is absolutely crucial for any sustainable

(43:34):
football development program to succeed anywhere in the world.
Right. It's a marathon, not a Sprint.
Are there any specific large scale programs aiming to support
this kind of grassroots development in Kenya right now?
Yes, there is a massive initiative that directly ties
into this long term vision, FIFA's Football for Schools
program. FIFA's program.
Tell us about that. It's a major global

(43:54):
collaborative initiative betweenFIFA, the world governing body,
and UNESCO, the UNS educational,scientific and cultural
organization. It has an incredibly ambitious
mission to positively impact over 700 million children
worldwide, regardless of gender,aiming to truly globalize access
to football and its educational benefits. 700 million children,

(44:16):
that's huge. So it's like a global blueprint
that Kenya can leverage, adapting it to its own local
context. Precisely that it provides A
framework, resources and support.
The core goal of the program is multifaceted.
To equip young players with skills, Yes, but also to instill
knowledge and interest in the game during those crucial
formative years, to provide proper training methodologies.

(44:39):
And importantly, to directly address the pervasive lack of
basic equipment like footballs that often hinders grass roots
development in many parts of theworld, including Kenya.
OK. So how is it being implemented
specifically on the ground in Kenya?
What are the practical steps? The Football Kenya Federation,
the FKF, is spearheading the implementation.
They aim to use this program to actively promote key football

(45:01):
development agendas, particularly focusing on youth
football and also women's football development across the
country. The initial implementation phase
involves selecting 50 coach educators.
Coach educators, who are they? These are essentially dedicated
primary school teachers who already have a keen interest and
some involvement in primary school football within their
communities. They were selected carefully

(45:24):
representing all 47 counties of Kenya ensuring national reach.
These 50 individuals then underwent an intensive 3 day
football and life skills training workshop held in
Kakamega. During this training, they also
became familiar with a special Football for Schools digital
app, which is designed to help them effectively deliver the
program's curriculum and track progress.

(45:44):
That's a smart approach, training the trainers who are
already embedded within the education system.
So what are the next steps for these 50 educators and for the
program more generally in Kenya?Right.
The idea is cascade training. Going forward, these newly
certified coach educators are tasked by the FKF to conduct
select football and life skills programs within their respective

(46:05):
regions, effectively cascading the training outwards to more
schools and more teachers. The federation also plans to
prioritize these educators participation in more advanced
coaching courses like the CAFD license to provide them with an
even more fundamental and comprehensive understanding of
football knowledge. This enables them to effectively

(46:25):
nurture young children's football journeys from the very
beginning. So upskilling the educators
continuously. Exactly the next crucial phase
involves rolling out the initiative more broadly across
participating primary schools. These schools will receive
essential resources packages including footballs, cones,
bibs, the basic training equipment they often lack.

(46:45):
Then the trained coach educatorswill proceed to train the
regular primary school teachers in their regions on how to use
the app and deliver the sessions, ensuring that
knowledge and methodology is effectively passed on to the
young students in their classrooms and playgrounds.
And the long term impact they hope for.
The long term impact, if sustained, could be profound.
It provides structured early opportunities for children right

(47:06):
across the country, even in remote areas.
It ensures guidance from personnel who have received at
least some level of qualified training.
And fundamentally, it aims to establish a solid, sustainable
foundation for continuous growthand success in Kenyan football.
Truly building the pyramid from the bottom up, rather than just
focusing on the elite view at the top.
It's about creating that broad base of participation and skill.

(47:30):
OK, so reflecting on everything we've discussed, what does this
all mean for you, our listener? We've taken a really deep dive
today into Kenya's vibrant and clearly crucial football
academies. We've gone from understanding
how they nurture individual talents, names like the
internationally recognized Victor Wanyama and Michael
Alunga, right through to celebrating Legacy Academy's

(47:52):
recent truly impressive Gothia Cup triumph on the global stage.
And we've also explored the critical national implications
of investing properly in structured youth development.
Yeah. And if we really connect this to
the bigger picture, stepping back for a moment, it seems
abundantly clear, doesn't it? While the raw talent in Kenya is
immense, you see it on every street corner, every dusty
field. It's truly world class

(48:14):
potential, sustained success at the very highest levels of
international football. We're talking consistently
qualifying for the World Cup, regularly advancing deep into
the Africa Cup of Nations. That truly hinges on structured,
early and consistent investment in youth development.
It's not rocket science, but it requires commitment.
It seems to be the only proven pathway to unlocking that vast

(48:36):
latent potential on a truly national scale.
Right. Which leaves us, and you, with a
final, perhaps provocative thought to Mull over.
Consider this, if the focus of an entire nation, the
federation, the government, the clubs, the communities, the
schools, If that focus shifts fully and strategically towards
cultivating these young seeds from early childhood, providing

(48:59):
the right soil, the proper nourishment, consistent
professional guidance to programs like football for
schools and well run academies. How soon could we realistically
see Kenya not just participatingon the global football stage,
but consistently challenging andperhaps even winning against the
world established best? And what crucial role do you
believe collective community support, corporate partnerships

(49:20):
and that strategic long term investment will ultimately play
in unlocking that incredible, undeniable potential that we
know exists? That's a powerful thought
indeed. How quickly could things change
with the right focus? It really is a powerful thought
to leave you with and something definitely worth exploring
further as we watch Kenyon football continue to evolve.